Willow Flycatcher And Thoughts About Fall Migration

Willow Flycatcher hunting prey from a willow perch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Three days ago I was pleased to photograph this Willow Flycatcher that was hunting prey from a willow near a creek in the Wasatch Mountains. I photographed the Yellow Warbler with that moth in its bill that I shared yesterday from this same location.

Note: This flycatcher was silent but because of the location, the narrow eye ring and overall appearance of the bird I feel comfortable identifying this bird as a Willow Flycatcher.

I took forty-eight photos of this flycatcher three days ago as it watched for flying insects from its perch and I realized that these might be the last Willow Flycatcher photos that I take this year. It is time for them to migrate. I know I am going to miss hearing their FITZ-bew calls and seeing them hawking for insects in the willow of the canyons over the coming winter.

The day I photographed this Willow Flycatcher I saw several more flycatchers up in the mountain canyons including a few Western Wood-Pewees yet the next day I didn’t see any at all.

Fall migration brings a mix of feelings for me, sadness that the birds I have enjoyed photographing during the spring and summer will take wing and head to warmer climates, happiness that I was able to spend time with them while they were here in northern Utah and excitement because I know that the birds that I only see during fall and winter have begun their journeys south.

Life is good. Stay safe.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Willow Flycatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.